AS Roma have confirmed Daniele de Rossi was dropped for their defeat to Atalanta.

There was confusion when De Rossi was spotted in the stands of today's 4-1 defeat to Atalanta, amid reports he had arrived only a few minutes late for this morning's team meeting.

"De Rossi was late for a meeting and the rules are clear," director of sport Walter Sabatini told Roma Channel.

"Luis Enrique would not forgive him for this lateness, as everyone has to respect the rules. The club agreed with this decision, because this is the Roma we want, even if it comes through unpopular decisions."